A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday & Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 14, n. 48)
Week 30 in Ordinary Time: October 23-29, 2016
(The pastoral tool BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD: A LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY & WEEKDAY LITURGY includes a prayerful study of the Sunday liturgy of Year C from various perspectives. For the Lectio Divina on the liturgy of the past week: October 16-22, 2016, please go to ARCHIVES Series 14 and click on “Week 29 in Ordinary Time”.
Below is a LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY - WEEKDAY LITURGY: October 23-29, 2016.)
*** *** ***
October 23, 2016: SUNDAY – THIRTIETH SUNDAY
IN ORDINARY TIME
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Exalts the Lowly”
BIBLICAL READINGS
Sir 35:12-14, 16-18 // II Tm 4:6-8, 16-18 // Lk 18:9-14
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 18:9-14): “The tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified.”
The story entitled “The Brown Vest” in Guideposts Magazine (January 2004, cf. p. 70-73) presents a contrast of two characters: the retired engineer, John, who sat on the board of elders and the humble Harvey who served as pastor of the congregation. John worked hard. He served on committees. He gave generously, but he never let slip an opportunity to tell Pastor Harvey what he was doing wrong. “Your sermons aren’t spiritual enough.” was one recurring grievance against Pastor Harvey. Then there was the ever-touchy subject of church finances. John told Pastor Harvey at the board meeting: “We squander too much of our resources helping people who are better off learning to help themselves. We need to work more at spreading the gospel.” Pastor Harvey answered gently: “Of course, John. But I think we must also share with those who are less fortunate.” There was no doubt that the elder John was open and straight. One day the self-righteous John was diagnosed with cancer. Pastor Harvey visited him often in the hospital and at home where he returned for hospice care. One Friday afternoon before John was about to die, he motioned Pastor Harvey closer. He said, “You know, Pastor, for a guy who does so much wrong, you really aren’t a bad sort.”
Today’s Gospel parable (Lk 18:9-14) also presents a contrast of two characters: the self-righteous Pharisee and the repentant tax collector. Indeed, the tragedy in the case of the self-righteous Pharisee is that he does not look upon himself as God’s servant but as one who deserves good from God for a job well done. His self-aggrandizing attitude is very much in contrast with Jesus’ exhortation on humble service: “When you have done all you have been told to do, say, ‘We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty’” (Lk 17:10, cf. Jerusalem Bible translation). Besides his pride, the Pharisee is also guilty of contempt for the tax collector.
The cutting edge of the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector is Jesus’ astounding conclusion: “I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Lk 18:14). According to the liturgical scholar, Adrian Nocent: “The conclusion alone is of interest to us: the tax collector went home justified. The word is important. The just man is one whom God makes just; he receives God’s favor, not because he is already just, but because in his humility he believes that God can be merciful to him and forgive him his sins. The deeds of men, even if these deeds be not all evil, could never be such as to merit forgiveness; only the sacrifice of the incarnate Son has that power. Because of that sacrifice, the Spirit bestows forgiveness on those who believe, and they run home justified.”
B. First Reading (Sir 35:12-14, 16-18): “The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds.”
When I was reading this Sunday’s scripture passages about the prayer of the lowly (cf. Sir 35:12-14, 16-18 and Lk 18:9-14), the figure of Pierre Toussaint came to my mind. He was a slave, but by the time of his death he was a respected businessman and philanthropist, admired by people of all races for his unshakable faith and for his loving service of God and neighbor. He was a man who translated prayer into charitable action. This extraordinary man of great humility and sacrifice epitomizes the insight given in today’s Old Testament reading: “The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds …” (Sir 35:17). In his article, “The Rise of Pierre Toussaint” (cf. GUIDEPOSTS, October 1999, p. 52-61, Large Print Edition), Thomas Fleming depicts the sterling character of this noble personality.
Pierre Tousaint had come to New York in 1787 as a slave in the household of Jean-Jacques Berard and his wife, Marie. Owners of a large sugar plantation on the island of Saint Dominique (which was soon to become Haiti), the Berards were fleeing an imminent revolt by the country’s 700,000 slaves who toiled in the cane fields. The 21-year-old Toussaint and his family were house servants, and the Berards were kind masters. They baptized their slaves and raised them Catholics. They rejected the cruel punishments – common on other plantations – that had brought Saint Dominique to the brink of bloody upheaval.
When Pierre was a boy the Berards saw he was unusually intelligent. They taught him to read, and he was permitted to spend hours in the family’s library, educating himself. He read sermons and books on the Bible by the greatest churchmen of France. He was no doubt fond of a book by Saint Francis de Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life, which stressed the importance of sanctifying everyday life with acts of kindness and generosity.
In New York, Jean-Jacques Berard decided he did not need Pierre as a house servant. Pierre’s sister, Rosalie, and his aunt, Marie-Boquement, were all the help the Berards required in their modest rented home. “Pierre,” he said, “I have decided you should learn a trade. Mr. Merchant, who has a shop nearby, has agreed to teach you the art of hairdressing.” Pierre discovered he not only liked the art – he had a knack for it … Pierre was soon making as much money as his mentor, Mr. Merchant. There was more to his popularity than his skill as a hairdresser. Women discovered Pierre had an uncanny ability to say exactly what they needed to hear when they talked to him about their husbands, their families, their friends. Often when women discussed some serious problem – a sick husband, a dissolute son – Pierre said, “I will keep him in my prayers.” Frequently the husband recovered, the son changed his ways …
New Yorkers began to realize the unique generosity that animated Toussaint’s soul. He received pleas from both white and black people. He always responded, sometimes with money, more often with other kinds of aid. From his wealthy clients, Toussaint rounded up students for destitute French refugees to teach. He brought firewood to freezing fellow parishioners of Saint Peter’s. He visited lonely men in debtor’s prison. When yellow fever ravaged the city, Pierre was among the few who dared risk the deadly scourge to help the suffering victims … In his later years a client asked Toussaint why he was still working. He had plenty of money. Why not retire? “Madam, then I should not have enough for others,” he said. Many women from the best New York families came to regard the black hairdresser as their spiritual counselor. They sought his advice and prayers on every imaginable problem … Pierre Toussaint died in 1853 at the age of 87. His funeral at Saint Peter’s Church was packed to overflowing with people both black and white.
The author of this Sunday’s Old Testament passage (Sir 35:12-14, 16-18), Jesus Ben Sirach declares that the one who serves God willingly is heard and that his petition reaches the heavens. He affirms that the Lord of justice and salvation responds swiftly to the cry of the poor and the prayer of the lowly. God who is the protector of the lowly and the judge of exploiters heeds the persevering prayer of the anawim – the poor of Yahweh. The prayer of the lowly is pleasing to God and humility is the basic stance of the poor man in prayer.
Aelred Rosser comments: “Here in poetic form we see a summary of the way God responds to those who approach in humble prayer … One’s state in life does not automatically guarantee divine approval of one’s requests. It is the state of our interior life that does that. And the one who serves God willingly is the one who is guaranteed a hearing. Above all else, the point being made here is that a humble stance before God is what gives power to our prayers. Humility is not necessarily abject breast-beating, however. Humility is honesty. Coming to God in prayer with an open and honest realization of both our need and God’s fidelity puts us in a truly humble stance.”
C. Second Reading (II Tm 4:6-8, 16-18): “From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me.”
Saint Paul, in the Second Reading (II Tm 4:6-8, 16-18) crystallizes the humble and trusting stance of the “pray-er”. Having opened himself completely to the grace of God and trusting fully in the Lord who stood by him and gave him strength so that the Gospel may be proclaimed to the nations, the great apostle to the Gentiles manifests the meaning of prayer in his life of a disciple. Prayer configures his entire life of sacrificial love with that of the Lord Jesus, whose life of self-emptying is a magnificent prayer. The humble “pray-er”, Saint Paul has competed well, has finished the race and has kept the faith. Humbly and trustingly, he awaits the crown of righteousness that the faithful Lord keeps for him. His sacrificial prayer would enable him to share in the joy of God’s eternal kingdom. The biblical scholar, Enrique Nardoni remakrs: “The Apostle sees his death as a sacrificial libation of his blood, a departure for the final harbor. He feels the satisfaction of an accomplished mission and an unwavering loyalty to Christ. Therefore he is fully sure of his glorious reward.”
On October 17, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI canonized Blessed Andre Bessette, known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal”. Like Saint Paul, Brother Andre was a man of prayer and is a modern day icon of a true “pray-er”. He incarnated in today’s world the humble stance of a disciple and the efficacious prayer of the poor and lowly. The following homily delivered by Pope John Paul II at the beatification of Brother Andre testifies to the tremendous power of prayer, service and humility in the life of a Christian disciple (cf. A.A.S. 74, 825 f., May 23, 1982).
We venerate in Blessed Brother Andre Bessette a man of prayer and a friend of the poor, a truly astonishing man.
The work of his whole life – his long life of 91 years – was that of “a poor and humble servant”: Pauper, servus humilis, as is written on his tomb. A manual laborer until the age of twenty-five years on the farm, in workshops and factories, he then entered the Brothers of the Holy Cross, who entrusted to him for almost forty years the task of porter in their school in Montreal; and finally for almost thirty years more he was custodian of Saint Joseph’s Oratory near the school.
Where then does his extraordinary influence, his renown among millions of people, come from? A daily crowd of the sick, the afflicted, the poor of all kinds – those who were handicapped or wounded by life – came to him. They found in his presence in the school parlor or at the Oratory a welcome ear, comfort, faith in God, confidence in the intercession of Saint Joseph. In short, they found the way of prayer and the sacraments and, with that, hope and, very often, manifest relief of body and soul. Do not the poor of today have as much need of such love, of such hope, of such education in prayer?
But what was it that gave Brother Andre this ability? It was God who was pleased to give such an ability to attract, such a marvelous power to this simple man who had himself known the misery of being an orphan among twelve brothers and sisters, of being without riches and education, of having poor health, in short, of being deprived of everything except a great confidence in God. It is not surprising that Brother Andre felt himself close to the life of Saint Joseph, that poor and exiled worker who himself was so close to the Savior and whom Canada and especially the Congregation of the Holy Cross have always greatly honored.
Brother Andre had to put up with misunderstanding and mockery because of the success of his apostolate. Yet he remained simple and joyful. Turning to Saint Joseph or in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, he himself prayed long and earnestly, in the name of the sick, doing as he had taught them to do. Is not his faith in the power of prayer one of the most precious signs for the men and women of our time, who are tempted to resolve their problems without recourse to God?
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
In our relationship with God, what role do we usually play: the self-righteous Pharisee who enumerates his virtues and despises the sinner, or the repentant tax collector who beats his breast, praying: “O God, be merciful to me a sinner”? Do we realize that our true assets are openness to the Spirit, sorrow for our sins, and acceptance of God’s love? Do we recognize that humility is a basic stance in our prayer and relationship with God? How do we allow this realization to shape and mould our life of prayer and service of God and others? Do we endeavor to offer to God daily “the prayer of the lowly”?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
the gift of justification comes from you alone
and is given to the repentant heart.
Transform our insolence into openness to grace,
so that like the repentant tax collector,
we may go home to your welcoming arms
fully justified by the power of your love
and the saving sacrifice of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
the innocently suffering Righteous One on the cross.
We give glory and praise to you
now and forever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the week. Please memorize it.
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Lk 18:14)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
In a spirit of repentance, pray slowly and meaningfully three times the ancient-Jesus prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Pray for a person whom we have held in contempt. Ask the Lord forgiveness for despising another and for considering ourselves to be the better one.
*** *** ***
October 24, 2016: MONDAY – WEEKDAY (30); SAINT ANTHONY CLARET, Bishop
“JESUS SAVIOR: His Compassion Surpasses the Sabbath Law … He Invites Us to Walk in Love”
BIBLE READINGS
Eph 4:32-5:8 // Lk 13:10-17
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 12:13-21): “This daughter of Abraham, ought she not to have been set free on the Sabbath day?”
My cousin, a pharmacist, belongs to a medical mission team that goes to Vietnam to assist the sick. She suggested to their Franciscan director that since almost 75% of the team is of Filipino origin, it might be a good idea to do a medical mission also in the Philippines. The suggestion was well taken, but on account of the excessive red tape imposed by the Philippine government, they were not able to carry out their mission to the Filipinos.
In today’s Gospel reading (Lk 13:10-17), the ministry of compassion of Jesus is also threatened by a legalistic bind. A woman is crippled by a malady that makes her incapable of standing erect. Jesus releases her from her bondage while teaching at the synagogue on a Sabbath. The ruler of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus has broken the Sabbath rule but not daring to rebuke him directly, addresses the crowd: “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the Sabbath day.” The woman has suffered for 18 years, and the ruler wants Jesus to wait one more day to cure her. But the compassionate ministry of Jesus cannot be bound nor postponed. The eruption of the kingdom of God cannot be suppressed by a faulty, legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath law. Jesus exposes the hypocrisy by arguing from the lesser to the greater: If you loosen animals on the Sabbath to refresh them, why not loosen a suffering “daughter of Abraham” from a crippling bondage. The kingdom of God is superior to the Sabbath law. The meaning of the Sabbath is fulfilled by works of compassion to those who yearn for the comfort and peace of God and a “rest” from their anguish.
B. First Reading (Eph 4:32-5:8): “Walk in love, just as Christ!”
In the reading (Eph 4:32-5:8), Saint Paul invites us to walk in love, just as Christ. As God’s beloved children, we must try to be like him. The perfect model of a child of God is Jesus Christ. He loves us and has given his life for us as a sweet smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God. We follow Christ on the way of love, learning to lay down our life for others. Indeed, as God’s people we need to renounce all that is not compatible with our vocation to holiness. We should not be led by false teachings because the wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience. Rather, our life must be characterized by “thanksgiving”. Moreover, since we have become God’s people, we are in the light and are obliged to live like those who belong to the light. It is the light that brings a rich harvest of every kind of goodness, righteousness and truth.
The following account gives insight into what it means to walk in the way of love (cf. Linda Neukrug in Daily Guideposts 2014, p. 18).
While in line at the coffee shop one morning, I watched as the shabbily dressed, skinny woman at the front line carefully counted out change for a cup of hot tea.
“Have a buttered roll with that”, the teenage counter girl told her. The woman hesitated, and the girl said, “My treat. It’s my birthday today. God bless you.” The older woman gratefully took the roll and, eyeing it hungrily, left the store.
When it was my turn, I said, “That was very nice of you to treat her on your birthday. Happy birthday!”
She blushed, and the young man at the next register laughed. “Oh, it’s always her birthday when that homeless lady comes in.” My jaw dropped. “You mean …” “I just feel bad that she doesn’t have enough to eat”, the girl mumbled.
I took my coffee and waved away the change. “That’s for you”, I told her. “God bless you.” “But it’s too much ---“
“That’s okay”, I said. “It’s my birthday.”
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Are we truly persons of compassion or do we allow ourselves to be crippled by faulty, legalistic interpretations? Are we totally “free” to carry out works of compassion to those who yearn for the comfort and peace of God? Do we walk in love, just as Christ? How?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
we thank you for Jesus Master, the Lord of the Sabbath.
He teaches compassion
and the wisdom to surpass faulty, legalistic interpretation.
Help us to be “free” to carry out works of compassion
for those who are seeking “rest” from their anguish
and are yearning for your comfort and peace.
Give us the grace to walk in love, just as Christ.
We love you, dear Father, and serve you, now and forever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“Ought she not to have been set free on the Sabbath day from this bondage?” (Lk 13:16) // “Live in love, as Christ loved us.” (Eph 5:2)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By your kind words and charitable deeds, alleviate the suffering of the afflicted and enable them to experience “rest” from their anguish. Be thankful to God for he truly loves us.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
October 25, 2016: TUESDAY – WEEKDAY (30)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Blesses Small Beginnings … He Loves the Church”
BIBLE READINGS
Eph 5:21-33 // Lk 13:18-21
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 13:18-21): “When it was fully grown, it became a large bush.”
The first parable in today’s Gospel reading (Lk 13:18-21) is about the mustard seed, the smallest seed in the world. Planted in the ground, it grows and becomes a large bush. Birds come and make their nests in its shady branches. In this parable, Jesus contrasts the insignificant beginning of the extremely small seed and the enormous size of the full-grown bush. The image of a tiny mustard seed growing into the grandiose bush underlines the universal expanse of God’s kingdom that would encompass all nations, as well as Israel. The second parable is about the yeast’s leavening force that makes the dough rise. Even a minimal amount of yeast has a natural tendency to expand, producing a great change in the dough to make it fit to be baked into a loaf of bread. Likewise, there is something inherently dynamic in the kingdom of God. Its power of good is transforming.
Jesus invites us to extol the power of small beginnings. We are called to sow the seed of the kingdom in today’s world as well as to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit who animates the growing kingdom. Let us do our part in sowing the seed and in manifesting to the world the dynamic and transforming power of the heavenly kingdom. We are to be seeds of the kingdom and to exhibit the transforming power of good in today’s world. The experience of Mike McGarvin, the founder of the Poverello House in Fresno, gives insight into the mustard seed beginning and the dynamic power of his compassionate ministry to the poor and needy (cf. Mike McGarvin, PAPA MIKE, 2003, p. 73-74).
My job was with a local newspaper, the Fresno Bee … There was a void in my life, because I had been so used to serving the Pov, and now I wasn’t doing anything. It was this restlessness, and the unbearable heat in our trailer, that compelled me to start checking out Chinatown. Fresno’s Chinatown is a tiny area southwest of downtown proper. It was near to where the Fresno Bee building was located, and it piqued my interest. In many ways, it reminded me of the Tenderloin district in San Francisco. There were small struggling businesses, a lot of cheap bars, single room occupancy hotels, prostitutes, and homeless people everywhere. It had a few mysterious and charming street names, such as “Fagan’s Alley” or “China Alley”, but it was dreary and gritty rather than romantic.
It was 1973, just a few months after we had moved back to Fresno. I went to a day-old bread store, loaded up on loaves, got some peanut butter and jelly, and went to work. I took it all back to our trailer, and Mary and I made up a bunch of sandwiches. I got some disposable cups, a jug of ice water, and drove the short distance to Chinatown. I was working nights, so I had days free, and I started going to Chinatown daily, taking the sandwiches and the water, walking and giving them out. People were suspicious at first, but as time went on, they started warming up to me. It helped that I was big, had a black belt in judo, and wasn’t intimidated.
The homeless people I encountered had no place to go. There was a rescue mission in town, but at that time it didn’t have a day program. Most of these folks were typical skid row types – older alcoholics and drug addicts, worn-out prostitutes, and poor, disabled men. They hung out on the streets in the summer heat and the winter cold because there was nowhere to turn. They weren’t wanted by anyone. The businesses didn’t want them around, because they scared customers away and littered the area. The police didn’t want them around, because they were nothing but trouble. I had stumbled onto a whole community of outcasts. That old Poverello spirit was starting to take hold of me again. I loved going out and seeing the smiles on the faces when I handed out sandwiches. I enjoyed the jokes and stories I’d hear. I liked getting to know people by name, and many of them seemed to crave not only the food, but also the attention.
My routine in Chinatown started out just a few days a week, but like the Pov up in San Francisco, it slowly became a bigger part of my life. It wasn’t long before I was going seven days each week. It was getting a little pricey on my new salary, so I started hitting up my church, Mount Carmel, to donate some money to buy bread and the peanut butter. That got some people interested. I figured out pretty quickly that I might be able to get more than money out of the church. I was meeting some good-hearted people and some of them wanted to join me. After about a year, I was ready for help, although I wasn’t sure how these church folks would react to some of the hardened street characters. There weren’t many who hit the streets with me, but quite a few helped by preparing the food.
B. First Reading (Eph 5:21-33): “This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church.”
The reading (Eph 5:21-33) underlines that the personal relationship between wife and husband is based on Christ’s self-sacrificing love for others. Marriage between a man and a woman draws its strength and meaning from the covenant love of Christ and his Body, the Church. The mutual submission and sacrificial aspect that animates the love relationship of spouses testify to the presence and fullness of the Spirit in their lives. Their marriage covenant is thus modeled on the “great mystery” of union between Christ, the Head, and his Body, the Church. The New Covenant ratified in Christ’s blood enhances the love relationship and nuptial bond of a man and a woman with beauty, fidelity and grace.
Moreover, the marriage of man and woman, when nurtured at the Eucharist and nourished by “the bread of the covenant”, can serve as a reflection, however imperfect, of the union between Christ, the Bridegroom, and his Bride, the Church. Such a marriage can be a model of self-giving love in today’s world and a sacrament of God’s covenant love and intimate relationship with his people on earth.
The following article in the Irish newspaper, Alive! (July/August 2009 issue, p. 6) extols the decision of a young Catholic couple to trust in God and accept the divine will. The moral commitment of Austin and Nuala Conway gives us an insight into Christian marriage as sacrament-covenant and inspired by God’s fidelity.
The parents of Ireland’s first ever set of sextuplets decided to put their trust in God rather than follow doctors’ immoral advice during their pregnancy. “These babies are a wonderful gift from God. Whatever God laid out for our lives we were taking it”, said 26-year-old Nuala Conway of Dunamore Co Tyrone. Doctors warned the married couple about the risks of a multiple pregnancy, and “more or less” advised them to have several of their unborn babies aborted. But the young Catholic couple rejected such a heartless solution and opted to trust in God and accept his will. “Doctors gave us a couple of days to think about it, but we knew without discussion what we both wanted”, said Nuala. “Whatever God laid out for our lives, we were taking it.”
The four girls and two boys, weighing between 1 lb 7 oz and 2 lb 7 oz, were delivered by Caesarian section 14 weeks early at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, with the aid of 30 medical staff. In an interview with the Sunday Express, Mrs. Conway said, “I prayed as much as I could for a child. I would have been happy with one, but God blessed us with six, which is amazing.” It wasn’t until just three months before the birth that a scan showed she was carrying six babies. “I’m in love with every single one of them. I fell in love when they were in the womb. When one moved they would all move and I could definitely feel 24 limbs kicking”, she said.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we believe in the power of small beginnings and in the transforming power of the kingdom of God? Do we trust greatly in God who can do all things in us?
2. In the Eucharist do we renew our covenant with the Eucharistic Master, avow our faith in him and make an act of unconditional fidelity in him? How do we live out our covenant bond with our wife/husband?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
we are fascinated how a mustard seed,
can grow into a large bush to shelter the birds of the sky.
We are awed
by the leavening power of a small amount of yeast.
We thank and praise you
for the miracle of the mustard-seed beginning of your kingdom,
which continues to extend its life-giving fruitfulness
to all peoples of the earth.
We thank you for the dynamic power
of the heavenly kingdom.
Help us to appreciate small beginnings
and to believe in the dynamic power of the Gospel.
You are our hope and our joy, now and forever.
Amen.
***
Lord Jesus,
may we love and serve you alone.
We pray for married couples
that they may mirror limpidly the love relationship
between Christ and his body the Church.
Let us promote the integrity of family life
and holiness of Christian marriage in today’s world.
We adore you as our Eucharistic Master,
now and forever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“What is the kingdom of God like?” (Lk 13:18) //“Christ loved the Church.” (Eph 5:25)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that people who sow the seed of the heavenly kingdom in today’s world may be blessed by the Lord. By your compassionate acts of love and service, and by trusting in the dynamic power of the Gospel, do your part in making the kingdom of God come. // By your personal dedication and service to one another as husband and wife and/or as family members, promote the integrity and holiness of marriage and family life.
*** *** ***
October 26, 2016: WEDNESDAY – WEEKDAY (30)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Calls Us to Enter through the Narrow Gate … We Are in Intimate Relationship with Him”
BIBLE READINGS
Eph 6:1-9 // Lk 13:22-30
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 13:22-30): “And people will come from the east and the west and will recline at the table in the Kingdom of God.”
In the Poverello News (February 2004), I read this beautiful story, which illustrates the reality of a personal, total response to God’s offer of salvation presented in today’s Gospel reading.
On May 10, 1748, a ship was being violently buffeted by a brutal storm. The captain of the vessel, thinking that death was imminent, prayed in desperation. The captain, John Newton, was not the praying kind. Nicknamed “The Great Blasphemer”, he was a debauched, profane seaman who plied the most despicable trade imaginable: he was a slave trafficker. After his fervent prayer, the storm ceased and the sea calmed. Newton’s deliverance from death had a profound effect on him. He contemplated his life and saw, perhaps for the first time, the full extent of his misery, corruption, and moral ruin. That day was a turning point in his life, a day that ultimately led him to reject his loathsome profession, enter Christian ministry, and later become a key influence in the life of William Wilberforce, a man who had a major role in abolishing slavery in England. However, Newton is not known for his biography. He is best remembered for a hymn he composed. That hymn is today sung all over the world, heard mournfully played by bagpipes at funerals, and is still powerful enough to bring tears to many who hear it. The hymn is “Amazing Grace”. Perhaps it has so much force because it is Newton’s heart-felt confession:
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
John Newton’s conversion beautifully depicts the realization of Jesus’ words: “And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold some are last who will be first, and some who are first who will be last” (cf. Lk 13: 29-30). His wholehearted response to God’s “amazing grace”, which saved a “wretch” like him, enabled him to participate in the feast of God’s kingdom.
Today’s Gospel reading (Lk 13:22-30) continues to underline the rich significance of the Lord’s journey to Jerusalem. Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem to undergo the death that leads to glory. Within the context of this paschal journey, someone asks: “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” Rather than answer him directly, Jesus prods him with a challenge: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough”. The narrow gate is open to all, but only for those who seek it. Indeed, the gift of salvation is not an indiscriminate prerogative. It must be willingly and fully embraced. We need to make a choice for the kingdom.
The biblical scholar, Samuel Oyin Abogunrin explains that the term “strive” (in Greek, agonizesthe) is the word from which the English “agony” is derived. According to him: “The struggle to enter must be so singularly motivated and focused as to be described as agony that involves the whole person: body, soul, and spirit. Christian life is a daily struggle to rise to a higher spiritual plane. It is wrong to sit back and relax after we have made a personal commitment to Christ. We cannot remain stagnant in our loyalty to God’s kingdom; unless we move forward we shall move backward.”
B. First Reading (Eph 6:1-9): “Willingly serving the Lord and not human beings.”
Today’s First Reading (Eph 6:1-9) contains a household code to regulate the relations between children and parents and between slaves and master. Just like the relation between wives and husbands, the spiritual principle to animate these relationships is Christ’s self-sacrificing love for others. There must be a reverence for fellow members in Christian families and households. By his victorious exaltation, the Risen Lord fills the universe. The glorified Christ brings his power and presence to bear in all human institutions. It is the Christian duty of children to obey their parents and thus enjoy God’s promise of abundant life. The parents are not to provoke their children to anger, but rather raise them with Christian discipline and instruction. The “slaves of Christ” are to carry out their duties responsibly and willingly, remembering that the Lord will reward everyone for the good work he does. The masters have responsible obligations to their subjects and realize that they also belong to the same Master in heaven, who judges everyone by the same standard. Indeed, in the context of the new life in Christ, the domestic relations take on a new meaning of love, reverence and respect.
In a funny vein, the following story gives insight into a beautiful relationship in a Christian household (cf. Fran-Alice Aberle, “Not by Bread Alone” in Guideposts, August 2014, p. 21).
Mom had a huge family, especially to my 11-year-old eyes. So when she decided to hold a family reunion at our house there was a lot to be done. My 12-year-old brother, 9-year-old sister and I had to pitch in. “There are four loaves of bread in the oven.” Mom said as she and Dad got ready to go into town for last minute supplies. “Do not start playing and forget to check on them. Take them out when they’re nice golden brown. If you burn the bread, you’re all in big trouble. It has to be perfect.”
We all promised. We knew how important the family bread recipe was. Richard, Lucia and I settled on the couch to wait. And wait. Finally we decided to wait outside. Surely a little playing to pass the time wouldn’t hurt.
Well, we lost track of how much time had passed until I smelled something burning. “The bread!” I screamed. “We forgot about Mom’s bread!”
We rushed inside and held our breath as Richard opened the oven door. There was the bread black and smoking. Richard slammed the door shut. We couldn’t bear to look at it.
“What are we going to do?” I cried. I was literally wringing my hands. “Mom says all things are possible with God”, Lucia piped up. “Let’s pray.” We all put a hand on the warm oven door and bowed our heads. “God, please heal Mom’s bread to a light golden brown like she told us”, I said. “If you don’t we’ll be in big trouble!” added Richard. “In Jesus’ name, amen”, Lucia said.
Tentatively, Richard opened the oven door again. Four golden brown loaves! We couldn’t believe it. They were perfect.
“Where’d you get the recipe for this bread?” one of my Mom’s sisters asked the next day. “It’s delicious!” “It’s the same recipe we’ve all used for years”, Mom said with a laugh. “No, this definitely tastes different”, her brother said. “It’s the best bread I’ve ever had!”
Everyone agreed. Finally we kids brought Mom into the kitchen and explained just why the bread tasted so good. It had a special ingredient – answered prayers!
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Am I willing to enter through the narrow gate that leads to the feast of God’s kingdom? Do I respond to the “amazing grace” that comes from his forgiving love? Do I believe that God wants all to be saved? What do I do personally and concretely to contribute to the mystery of universal salvation? Do I participate in the feast of God’s kingdom with joy and gratitude?
2. Do I allow the principle of Christ’s sacrificial love to animate my human and social relations? Do I promote harmonious relationship in the domestic setting?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
your Son Jesus Christ invites us
to enter through the narrow gate to salvation.
Help us to share in his paschal sacrifice
and the feast of the kingdom.
Let us experience your “amazing grace”
and make us respond to it wholeheartedly.
Enable us to satisfy the world’s hunger
for the bread of life and the cup of salvation.
Let us promote harmony and unity
in the family and in the society
to help us prepare for the coming of your kingdom.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate.” (Lk 13:24) // “You have a Master in heaven and with him there is no partiality.” (Eph 6:9)
*** *** ***
October 27, 2016: THURSDAY – WEEKDAY (30)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Resolves to Journey to Jerusalem … He Gives Us Strength in our Spiritual Warfare”
BIBLE READINGS
Eph 6:10-20 // Lk 13:31-35
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 13:31-35): “It is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.”
Today’s Gospel reading (Lk 13:31-35) is filled with pathos and drama. Tension mounts as Jesus continues his journey to Jerusalem. Some Pharisees bring the word that Herod wants to kill him. Marked by hostility, their intent is to daunt rather than to help him. But Jesus does not flinch in the face of danger. He remains firm on the course of his divine mission. In accordance with God’s saving plan, it is necessary that Jesus must continue his journey toward Jerusalem and embrace his paschal destiny of passion, death and resurrection. Jesus, however, will not go to Jerusalem before the allotted time. In the meantime he continues his public ministry of healing and exorcism. When eventually he enters the walls of Jerusalem, the praises “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” will resound within the city in his honor. Sadly, the “Hosanna” praises will turn into a note of rejection.
The inevitable suffering Jesus will endure does not cancel his tender love for Jerusalem, which symbolizes the heart of the chosen people. He laments: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets. You stone the messengers God has sent you! I wanted to put my arms around all your people, just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings but you would not let me!” Jesus bemoans the destruction that will come upon the obstinate people. However, at the end of his Jerusalem journey – after treading the way of the cross – Jesus Life triumphs!
The following modern day story gives a glimpse into Jesus’ resolve to embrace the paschal mystery (cf. Elizabeth Sherrill in Daily Guideposts 2014, p. 390).
Dr. Li, Chinese Physician: We’d gone to China in 1981 to investigate a rumor that churches were reopening. In Shanghai, sure enough, we attended Sunday service in a redbrick church with a standing-room-only congregation. Afterward, we talked with an elderly physician who’d studied in the United States in the 1930s. For two decades, Dr. Li said, this church had been boarded up. Three months before our visit, it had reopened. “Our first service in twenty-two years.”
The first service, that is, inside … The first Christmas Eve after the church closed in 1959 was just an ordinary night shift at the hospital for Dr. Li. It was cold and drizzly when he returned to his apartment at 10:30. He took off his damp coat – then, suddenly, put it back on. His wife put hers on too, and followed him outside. Through the icy drizzle they walked, left at the corner, across a square, turn right … headed to church. As they drew closer, they became aware of other silent walkers. From every side-street they came, alone or in twos or threes, until hundreds were standing shoulder to shoulder before the locked door. For two hours they stood in the rain. No hymns. No sermon. “But it was Communion all the same.”
For twenty-two years, this was their Christmas service. No one planned any of it. “Just, that night, year after year, we put on our coats and came.”
B. First Reading (Eph 6:10-20): “Put on the armor of God, that you may be able, having done everything, to hold your ground.”
Today’s First Reading (Eph 6:10-20) is Saint Paul’s conclusion to his ethical exhortations. The apostle urges Christians to pray, stand alert and be ready to fight the evil forces around them. Christ is the head over all for God put all things under his feet and gave him to the Church as the supreme lord of all things (cf. Eph 1:22). Moreover, God has saved us in Christ, whose paschal victory is radical and complete. Our paschal mystery as Christians, however, is an ongoing endeavor towards completion. A spiritual warfare rages on. Paul exhorts us to build up our strength in union with Jesus. He advises us to put on the “armor of God” so that we may be able to resist the wiles of the devil and overcome the malevolent cosmic powers. The “armor of God” consists of truth as a belt, righteousness as a breastplate, the Gospel of peace as footgear, faith as a shield, salvation as helmet, and the word of God as the sword that the Holy Spirit gives.
Putting on the “armor of God” and standing ready to fight the spiritual battle need to be completed by prayer. The Christian soldiers need to pray on every occasion as the Spirit leads. Moreover they must pray for all God’s people, including the apostle Paul, who for the sake of the Gospel as its ambassador is now in prison. With humble trust, Saint Paul asks the beloved Ephesians to pray that he may proclaim the Gospel boldly as he should.
The following article gives insight into the meaning of putting on the “armor of God” (Lisa Bogart in Daily Guideposts 2015, p. 340).
Most mornings I dress without much thought. My day-to-day routine does not require that I wear anything more elaborate than a clean T-shirt with jeans or a blouse and dress pants. And yet I enjoy dolling up for special occasions. A fancy night out requires planning. It takes time to select a dress, coordinate the accessories, do my hair, and figure out the shoes. It’s fun to present my prettiest self and I like seeing my husband in a tuxedo.
Just like the dressing up for a party, putting on the armor of God takes effort and each piece is chosen with intention. What if I dressed with such deliberate care every day? I imagine I would feel safe, blessed, privileged.
Today when I dress, I will buckle the belt of truth. I will pick up the sword of the Spirit. I will slip on the shoes of readiness. Today I will use my wardrobe as a reminder of Who my daily companion is.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Like Jesus, are we resolved to go on a spiritual journey that will bring to completion the Father’s saving plan?
2. Are we ready to fight in the ongoing spiritual warfare against the forces of evil? Do we intend to put on the “armor of God”? Do we pray in the name of Jesus that we may be strengthened?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Heavenly Father,
your Son Jesus journeys resolutely toward Jerusalem.
Totally committed to your saving will,
no threat of death can deter him.
Unite us to Jesus
that we may be strengthened in our paschal journey
and in our spiritual warfare against the forces of evil.
Clothe us with the armor of truth, justice and peace.
Help us to pray as we should and in the name of Jesus.
He lives and reigns, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem! I yearn to gather you together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings.” (Lk 13:34) // “Put on the armor of God.” (Eph 6:13)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Be deeply aware that in our ongoing paschal journey a spiritual warfare is involved. Commit yourself to daily prayer in order to be strengthened spiritually by God’s mighty power.
*** *** ***
October 28, 2016: FRIDAY – SAINTS SIMON AND JUDE, APOSTLES
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Chooses the Apostles … He Builds the Church upon the Apostolic Witnessing”
BIBLE READINGS
Eph 2:19-22 // Lk 6:12-16
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
In today’s Gospel (Lk 6:12-16), we hear that Jesus goes up to the mountain to pray and he spends the night in prayer to God. The night is fascinating. It can be a moment of deep commune with God and a time of profound prayer. Once again, before making a decisive decision crucial to his messianic mission, Jesus prays. When the day comes, he calls his disciples to himself and chooses the twelve apostles, who represent the “twelve” tribes of the New Israel, the Church. Among the “Twelve” are Simon called the “Zealot” and Jude Thaddeus. Prayer is likewise an important element in the life of the apostles. By the help of prayer, they are able to learn the wisdom of the cross and to fully embrace Christ’s paschal mystery.
As we celebrate the feast of Saints Simon and Jude, apostles, today’s First Reading (Eph 2:19-22) underlines that we are built upon the foundation laid down by the apostles and the prophets whose saving message is centered on the Christ-event. Through the power of Christ, we grow into a spiritual temple sacred in the Lord. We are no longer strangers or sojourners. Because of the reconciling activity of Jesus Christ, we have become fellow citizens with God’s people and his family members. The Gospel proclamation and apostolic witnessing are very important for the growth of the Church, whose glorious capstone and binding force is Jesus Christ himself.
The apostolic message goes out through all the earth. Saints Simon and Jude have carried the “light of faith” to the ends of the world, as the following biographical sketches show (cf. Wikipedia in the Internet).
Simon the Zealot is one of the most obscure among the apostles of Jesus. Little is recorded of him aside from his name. The name of Simon occurs in all of the synoptic gospels and Acts that give a list of apostles. He is called “zealot” because, in seeing the miracle at Cana, Simon left his home, parents and his bride and followed Christ. It is also said that after Pentecost, his mission was in a place called Mauretania in Africa.
In later tradition, Simon is often associated with St. Jude, as an evangelizing team. They share their feast day on 28 October. The most widespread tradition is that after evangelizing in Egypt, Simon joined Jude in Persia and Armenia or Beirut, Lebanon, where both were martyred in 65 A.D. This version is found in the Golden Legend.
He is buried in the same tomb as St. Jude Thaddeus, in the left transept of the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, under the altar of St. Joseph. In art, Simon has the identifying attribute of a saw because according to legend, he was put to death by a saw.
***
Jude was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. He is generally identified with Thaddeus. The Armenian Catholic Church honors Thaddeus along with Saint Bartholomew as its patron saints. In the Roman Catholic Church he is the patron saint of desperate cases or lost causes.
Saint Jude’s attribute is a club. He is also often shown in icons with a flame around his head. This represents his presence at Pentecost, when he received the Holy Spirit with the other apostles. Another common attribute is Jude holding an image of Jesus Christ. In some instances he may be shown with a scroll or a book or holding a carpenter’s rule.
The legend reports that Saint Jude was born into a Jewish family in Panea, a town in Galilee later rebuilt by the Romans and renamed Caesarea Philippi. In all probability he spoke both Greek and Aramaic, like most of his contemporaries in that area, and was a farmer by trade. According to the legend, Saint Jude was a son of Clopas and his wife Mary, a cousin of the Virgin Mary. Tradition has it that Jude’s father, Clopas, was martyred because of his forthright and outspoken devotion to the Risen Christ.
Tradition holds that Saint Jude preached the Gospel in Judea, Samaria, Idumaea, Syria, Mesopotamia and Libya. He is also to have visited Beirut and Edessa. The apostles Jude and Bartholomew are traditionally believed to have been the first to bring Christianity to Armenia, and are therefore venerated as the patron saints of the Armenian Catholic Church. In his History Ecclesiastica, Eusebius relates that King Abgar of Edessa (now Sanhurfa in Turkey) sent a letter to Jesus seeking a cure for an illness afflicting him. With the letter he sent his envoy Hannan, the keeper of the archives, offering his own home city to Jesus as a safe dwelling place. The envoy painted a likeness of Jesus with choice paints (or alternatively, impressed with Abgar’s faith, Jesus pressed his face into a cloth and gave it to Hannan) to take to Abgar with his answer. Upon seeing Jesus’ image, the king placed it with great honor in one of his palatial houses. After Christ’s execution, Thomas the Apostle sent Jude to King Abgar and the king was cured. Astonished, he converted to Christianity, along with many people under his rule.
According to tradition, after his martyrdom, pilgrims came to his grave to pray and many of them experienced the powerful intercession of Saint Jude and thus the title, “The Saint for the Hopeless and the Desperate”. Saint Bridget of Sweden and Saint Bernard had visions from God asking each to accept Saint Jude as “The Patron Saint of the Impossible”.
Here is a novena to Saint Jude: “O Holy Saint Jude! Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor for all who invoke you, special patron in time of need; to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg you, to whom God has given such great power, to come to my assistance; help me now in my urgent need and grant my earnest petition. I will never forget thy graces and favors you obtain for me and I will do my utmost to spread devotion to you. Amen.”
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
What does it mean personally to be a community of faith based on “the foundation of the Apostles and the prophets?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
(cf. Opening Prayer of the Mass – feast of Sts. Simon and Jude)
Father,
you revealed yourself to us
through the preaching of your apostles Simon and Jude.
By their prayers,
give your Church continued growth
and increase the number of those who believe in you.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“You are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and the prophets.” (Eph 2:20)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Continue the apostolic witnessing and the Gospel proclamation in today’s world by living a life of Christian charity that is manifested in compassion and care for the poor and vulnerable.
*** *** ***
October 29, 2016: SATURDAY – WEEKDAY (30); BVM ON SATURDAY
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Blesses the Humble … He Is Our Life”
BIBLE READINGS
Phil 1:18b-26 // Lk 14:1, 7-11
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 14:1, 7-11): “Everyone who exalts himself will be bumbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
In 2003 Mike McGarvin wrote a very interesting book, “Papa Mike”, about his conversion and his service to the poor, the marginalized and the homeless. After reading the book, I concluded that Mike McGarvin is a living example of one who had humbly recognized his human frailty and weakness and turned to God for salvation. He is a realization of the words of Jesus: “The one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Lk 14:11b). The following anecdote that Mike wrote in his book made me chuckle for it fittingly illustrates the other aspect of Jesus’ lesson on humility: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled” (Lk 12:14a).
At St. Boniface and Poverello, I got a real slice of life. The Tenderloin was the bottom of the social barrel, and all sorts of desperate cases drifted in and out …There was a regular at Poverello who was exceptional. He looked like a typical street person: dirty, a ratty beard, deteriorating, mismatched clothes. One day someone told me that he had once been a chess champion, ranked eighth in the United States. He had been involved in a love relationship that didn’t work out, and it had taken him over the edge. He started drinking too much, and eventually landed on the streets in San Francisco.
One evening, a volunteer, who was a lawyer, looked out over the coffeehouse and said, “I’ll bet these people aren’t smart enough to play chess.” I was offended by his remark, but immediately thought of a way to cool this guy’s arrogance. I pointed to the chess champion, and said, “I’ve seen that guy play a little chess; why don’t you try him out?” The lawyer played three games with him, and the old wino beat him resoundingly every time. The attorney fancied himself an excellent chess player, so he was devastated. He came back up to the counter, and kept saying over and over, “I can’t believe that old drunk beat me three times.”
Today’s Gospel reading (Lk 14: 1, 7-11) tells us that on a Sabbath day Jesus had gone for a meal to the house of a leading Pharisee. Jesus noticed how the guests were choosing the places of honor at table. In this meal setting populated with “social climbers”, the Divine Master narrated to the guests a parable that ends with a powerful dictum: “For everyone who exalts himself with be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Lk 14:11). The biblical scholar, Eugene Maly explains the faith context of this parable: “Jesus is not concerned with ordinary social etiquette. He has more in mind than that … This is a Kingdom talk. This is the way it is in the Kingdom of God. A presupposition of the saying is that God issues the invitation to the Kingdom banquet. And he issues it to the lowly, the humble, those who recognize their total dependence on God’s salvation. These are the ones who will be exalted. But those who say, ‘Look at me, Lord! See my strength, my wealth, my influence’, are the ones who will be humbled. This humility, this total openness to the strength of God, leads to greatness.”
Indeed, the kingdom parable of Jesus underlines the meaning of humility, which is basically a total dependence on God who wills our salvation. The Divine Master took the way of humility in his pilgrimage to Jerusalem to bring to fulfillment his life-giving paschal destiny on the cross. Jesus crystallized the meaning of humility in his very person. He is the Servant-Son totally consecrated to the saving will of God. With deep humility as faithful servant and in filial obedience, Jesus humbly pursued the Father’s saving plan and fully committed his entire being to God. The lowly one of Yahweh trusted in the marvelous action of God – he who humbles and exalts. St. Paul and an early Christian hymn acclaim: “Jesus humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him” (Phil 2:8-9).
B. First Reading (Phil 1:18b-26): “For to me life is Christ and death is gain.”
Saint Paul the Apostle is a privileged example of the laborer of the “last hour” who benefited from the abundant riches of God’s grace. A persecutor of Christian faith, he was converted and experienced the undeserved free bounty of God. Saint Paul is a model of a true response to divine love radically revealed in Jesus Christ. In the reading (Phil 1:18b-26), the Apostle is writing to the Philippians from a prison in Ephesus circa 56 A.D. Awaiting a possible death sentence, he reflects that for him both life and death take their meaning from Christ. Saint Paul asserts that with his whole being, he would bring honor to Christ, whether he live or die. Death for him is gain for he would relish the heavenly reward. To continue to live in this world, however, would mean a more fruitful labor for the Gospel. This would benefit more greatly the community of faith and encourage them to live a life worthy of the Gospel. Having been evangelized and brought under the power of the Gospel, they are to reflect in their life and their belonging to Christ.
The following personal testimony of Fr. Jose Maniyangat, circulated on the Internet, powerfully illustrates the necessity of responding faithfully and obediently to our Christian vocation through life and death.
I was born on July 16, 1949 in Kerala, India to my parents, Joseph and Theresa Maniyangat. I am the eldest of seven children: Jose, Mary, Theresa, Lissama, Zachariah, Valsa and Tom. At the age of fourteen, I entered St. Mary’s Minor Seminary in Thirivalla to begin my studies for the priesthood. Four years later, I went to St. Joseph’s Pontifical Major Seminary in Alwaye, Kerala to continue my priestly formation. After completing the seven years of philosophy and theology, I was ordained a priest on January 1, 1975 to serve as a missionary in the Diocese of Thirivalla.
On Sunday April 14, 1985, the feast of Divine Mercy, I was going to celebrate Mass at a mission church in the north part of Kerala, and I had a fatal accident. I was riding a motorcycle when I was hit head-on by a jeep driven by a man who was intoxicated after a Hindu festival. I was rushed to a hospital about 35 miles away. On the way, my soul came out from my body and I experienced death. Immediately, I met my Guardian Angel. I saw my body and the people were mourning for me. At this time my angel told me: “I am going to take you to Heaven; the Lord wants to meet you.” He also said that, on the way, he wanted to show me hell and purgatory.
Hell: First, the angel escorted me to hell. It was an awful sight! I saw Satan and the devils, an unquenchable fire of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, worms crawling, people screaming and fighting, others being tortured by demons. The angel told me that all these sufferings were due to un-repented mortal sins. Then, I understood that there are seven degrees of suffering or levels according to the number and kinds of mortal sins committed in their earthly lives. The souls looked very ugly, cruel and horrific. It was a fearful experience. I saw people whom I knew, but I am not allowed to reveal their identities. The sins that convicted them were mainly abortion, homosexuality, euthanasia, hatefulness, un-forgiveness and sacrilege.
The angel told me that if they had repented, they would have avoided hell and gone instead to purgatory. I also understood that some people who repent from these sins might be purified on earth through their sufferings. This way they can avoid purgatory and go straight to heaven. I was surprised when I saw in hell even priests and Bishops, some of whom I never expected to see. Many of them were there because they had misled the people with false teaching and bad example.
Purgatory: After the visit to hell, my Guardian Angel escorted me to purgatory. Here too, there are seven degrees of suffering and unquenchable fire. But it is far less intense than hell and there was neither quarreling nor fighting. The main suffering of these souls is their separation from God. Some of those who are in purgatory committed numerous mortal sins, but they were reconciled with God before their death. Even though these souls were suffering, they enjoy peace and the knowledge that one day they will see God face to face.
I had a chance to communicate with the souls in purgatory. They asked me to pray for them and to tell the people to pray for them as well, so that they can go to heaven quickly. When we pray for these souls, we will receive their gratitude through their prayers, and once they enter heaven, their prayers become even more meritorious. It is difficult for me to describe how beautiful my Guardian Angel is. He is radiant and bright. He is my constant companion and helps me in all my ministries, especially my healing ministry. I experience his presence everywhere I go and I am grateful for his protection in my daily life.
Heaven: Next, my angel escorted me to heaven passing through a big dazzling white tunnel. I never experienced this much peace and joy in my life. Then immediately heaven opened up and I heard the most delightful music, which I never heard before. The angels were singing and praising God. I saw all the saints, especially the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph, and many dedicated holy Bishops and priests who were shining like stars.
And when I appeared before the Lord, Jesus told me: “I want you to go back to the world. In your second life, you will be an instrument of peace and healing to my people. You will walk in a foreign land and you will speak in a foreign tongue. Everything is possible for you with my grace.” After these words, the Blessed Mother told me: “Do whatever he tells you. I will help you in your ministries.”
Words cannot express the beauty of heaven. There we find so much peace and happiness, which exceed a million times our imagination. Our Lord is far more beautiful than any image can convey. His face is radiant and luminous and more beautiful that a thousand rising suns. The pictures we see in the world are only a shadow of his magnificence. The Blessed Mother was next to Jesus. She was so beautiful and radiant. None of the images we see in this world can compare with her real beauty.
Heaven is our real home; we are all created to reach heaven and enjoy God forever.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. What does Jesus’ teaching on humility mean to us, personally and concretely? Are we willing to replicate in our life the humble stance of Jesus, the Servant of Yahweh and the Son of God?
2. Do we give honor and glory to God in all our being, whether by life or by death?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
your only begotten Son Jesus is the humble Servant
in whom you are most pleased.
We praise and thank you for the mystery of his kenosis and self-emptying.
Help us to realize more and more that the feast of your kingdom is for all.
Fill us with zeal and apostolic strength
to spread your gracious saving invitation to all peoples,
especially the poor and lowly.
We ask this through Christ our Lord
who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.
***
Lord Jesus,
you are the center of our life.
Whether we die or live, we belong to you.
Let us proclaim your goodness in everything we do
and by a holy life.
With Saint Paul we declare:
“For to me life is Christ and death is gain.”
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Lk 14:11) //“For to me life is Christ and death is gain.” (Phil 1:21)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
In a spirit of humility, renew your total dependence on God and his saving will. When you suffer some “humiliation” be gracious and make it an occasion to exercise the virtue of “humility”. // Today be deeply conscious that whatever you do is being offered to the Lord and for an apostolic intention.
***
Prepared by Sr. Mary Margaret Tapang PDDM
PIAE DISCIPULAE DIVINI MAGISTRI
SISTER DISCIPLES OF THE DIVINE MASTER
60 Sunset Ave., Staten Island, NY 10314
Tel. (718) 494-8597 // (718) 761-2323
Website: WWW.PDDM.US